Week In Review: School Workers Picket and Little League Tells Former Coach, "You're Out!"

Takin' It to the Streets: Teachers' aides and assistants protested against the Board of Education late last week. As a board meeting was underway at nearby Parsippany Hills High School, about 30 demonstrators waved signs and shouted chants  in anger over what they call disrespect from the board. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Educational Support Association, which represents tachers' support staff in schools, attempted to negotiate a contract with the board upon its founding in 2007. "Paraprofessionals are the lowest-paid workers in the school district," said Vickie Walsh, of the New Jersey Education Association. "And yet the board didn't think they deserved anything." Four years later, the two sides still have not agreed upon a contract. The union accepted a fact finder's recent report, which recommends that paraprofessionals receive an average of two percent more in pay for 2007 through 2013, including a one year salary freeze, and no health benefits. A response from the board is expected this week. 

You're Out at the Old Ball Game: Many in town squared off over the Par-Troy West Little League's decision to ban a former coach from the league permanently. Scott Dean, who served as a coach for more than four years, is prohibited from seeing his own son play baseball in league games. League officials say the situation is of Dean's own making: They say Dean launched a "smear campaign" against the PTWLL after not being chosen as a coach this year. League President Frank Neglia said the PTWLL Executive Board-Disciplinary Committee ruled at a May 12 meeting that Dean violated numerous provisions of the parental code of ethics, acted in a manner contrary to the Model Athletic Code of Conduct and engaged in conduct detrimental to the PTWLL. As long as he apologized, Dean could have been reinstated within seven years and allowed to attend his son's games. Neglia said no apology came, so Dean was banned permanently. In response, Dean said he had no reason to apologize and that the punishment is too severe. He said the PTWLL was blacklisting him over a disagreement between himself and another league coach.

Business Expands in Parsippany:  Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Rep. Rodney Freylinghuysen were on hand for the grand opening last week of Watson Pharmaceuticals' new global headquarters in the Morris Corporate Center. Guadagno said Watson made a "wise decision" by staying in New Jersey. "Businesses in New Jersey have the choice to go anywhere," she said. "They choose New Jersey because we have the most educated workforce, the most sophisticated logistics and the world's best quality of life." The lieutenant governor said Watson's decision to build its global headquarters sends a positive message to present and future citizens.Right now, 250 people work in the new headquarters. Watson President and CEO Paul Bisaro said he expects that number to grow to 500.

More Business Growth: Real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle announced new business tenants at Parsippany's Halsey Corporate Center. Stryker Corporation, a medical technology firm, will rent 3,500 square feet of office and lab space. Commodity-trading company MSR Investments will take over 1,400 square feet. Blue Sky Data Corporation, a service bureau providing investment information to businesses, is already a tenant in the building and has extended its lease to 3,300 square feet. The Halsey Corporate Center, a three-story, 97,000-square-foot office complex, is located at 90 East Halsey Road. Jones Lang LaSalle Executive Vice President Dennis McConnell said the building offers accessible upscale workspace for businesses.

And They're Off: Severe weather brought the  the State Track & Field Championships in Old Bridge to an unscheduled early finish last Thursday, but not before Parsippany High School junior Steven Burke finished 10th in the javelin with a throw of 183 feet. Daniel Jamieson of Parsippany Hills High School ended up in 27th place with a javelin throw of 156-2. The girls' javelin competition, among others, was postponed due to rain. When the meet begins again Monday evening at Old Bridge's Lombardi Field, Parsippany High's Nicol Herbst will compete in  javelin. Other events to be completed include the boys' and girls' 3,200 and 4x400 relays, boy's shot put, boys' long jump and girls' triple jump.